Section a Research methods Flashcards
Qualitative data
non- numerical data to interpret and analyse peoples experiences
Presents the quality of the way of life of the research subjects in the form of words not numbers. Methods that allow for data to be based on the participants ‘speaking for themselves’.
quantitative data
numerical data, data statistically
e.g surveys , questionnaires
Data expressed in numerical form on graphs. Patterns and trends of human behaviour shown in statistics can be observed and compared to establish correlations (cause and effect).
Validity
were the data provides a true insight of the social reality ( normally qualitative)
Reliability
The ability to repeat the same research and gain the same or similar results
representativeness
the extent to which the sample selected is a fair reflection of the target population
Generalisability
refers to the ability to make claims about the wider target population from the research findings
Positivists
- believe in applying logic of natural sciences to researching society
- prioritise objectivity
- use quantitate data as it is more measurable and reliable
- high in reliability
- associated sociologist = Durkheim
objectivity value freedom
positivism
the sociologist should be neutral and not allow their personal or political views or prejudices to bias any aspect of their research or interpretation of their data
interpretivists
seek to understand meaning anf subjective experiances of their particpants
seek to gain verstehen
- use qualitative data
- gain dept information and detail in order to interpret meanings behind actions
- believe research should focus on understanding rather than measurements and normally high in validity
associated sociologist = interactionists (labelling theory)
Verstehen
interpretivism
empathetic understanding
ethnographic
interpretivism getting involved with the group being researched to understand fully and maintain empathy - high validity
reflexivity
interpretivism
Interpretivists aim to keep research diaries that document the trials of every stage of the process. It is a form of self evaluation that involves the researcher reflecting critically on how they organise the research process, their experience of it and how a range of influences might have positively or negatively affected the validity of their findings.
Realism
They argue that research methods chosen should fit the purpose of the topic you are studying. For example, if you want to measure something, choose quantitative and understand something, choose qualitative.
This may mean that often methodological pluralism or triangulation are preferable as research approaches as is can gain both a combination of qualitative and quantitative data and/or means data can be cross checked easily.
feminism
Feminist research methods seek to gain access to the views of all people including women – combating ‘malestream’ Sociological research.
Feminist methodology is normally qualitative but not exclusively as they believe the methods fit the purpose.
They often use in-depth interviews as they give women a voice and empower them.
Feminist research is often grounded in feminist theory and therefore seeks to bring about social change and equality for women. It aims to raise awareness of issues women face
ethics
Ethics are practices that are seen as morally right and wrong when conducting research such as confidentiality.
BSA
The British Sociological Association is the regulatory body that puts down ethical guidelines that sociologists should follow when conducting research.
Ethical guidelines
Confidentiality Privacy Anonymity Right to withdraw Avoiding harm to participants Protecting vulnerable groups Informed consent Ensuring legality. Safeguarding
random sampling
all people in the target population have an equal chance of being picked-chosen entirely by chance. This reduces the risk of samples being biased by the researcher’s choice
non- random sampling
people in the target population do not have an equal chance of being picked
Systematic random sampling
random sampling
Involves randomly choosing a number between one and ten (every nth number)
This technique does not always guarantee a representative sample however the larger sample the more likely it is to be representative.
Stratified Random sampling
Random sampling
This involves dividing the research population into a number of different sampling frames . Then participants are selected from each to create a research sample. This avoids the highest population from being over represented in the sample.
quota sampling
non- random
Researcher has clear idea of the sample they want and where to find it.
They will select the required population based on given criteria (a certain amount of women/men/young people to meet their quota)
snowball sampling
non-random
Method mainly used by sociologists researching deviant groups. One contact will recruit other contacts to get involved in the research.
Purposive / opportunity sampling
non random
sed to test a particular hypothesis, researcher only targets those that are directly linked to hypothesis
strengths
random Sampling and Systematic Sampling
Everyone has the same chance (if repeated a similar sample will emerge) – Reliable
Not biased - Representative
Preferred by Positivists because of its scientific, objective nature - Reliable
weakness
random Sampling and Systematic Sampling
Time consuming, people may pull out by the time research is carried out – Lowers representativeness and generaliability
The sampling frame won’t always provide useful information (E.g. gender, class) therefore can be biased – Lowers representativeness and generaliability
Can lack representativeness if a greater number of one type of person is picked.
strengths
random
Stratified Sampling
Can ensure that each group is represented – Representative
Not biased - Representativeness
Preferred by Positivists because of its scientific, objective nature - Reliable
weakness
random
Stratified Sampling
Time consuming, people may pull out – Lowers representativeness and generaliability
Sampling frame may not give specific groups to include – Lowers representativeness and generaliability
If some groups have a large number of people then they are more likely to be chosen/biased – Lowers representativeness and generaliability
non random strengths
Quota Sampling
Useful when there is no sampling frame
More representative than other non-random samples – Target a range of groups - Representative
Easy to set targets
non random
weakness
Quota Sampling
Researcher may be biased towards a certain group – Lowers representativeness
No sampling frame, less scientific, more difficult to repeat - Lowers reliability
Numbers needed may not be representative of target population.
non random
strengths
Snowball Sampling
Useful when there is no sampling frame
Good to use for studies with difficult groups to access or a specific type of person - Validity and Representativeness
Easy if one person acts as a gatekeeper, allows access and can build up a rapport - Validity
non random
weakness
Snowball Sampling
Not representative – No sampling frame
Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness
Biased/Subjective – Insider researchers.
non random
strengths
Purposive Sampling
Useful when there is no sampling frame
Good when there is a specific type of person needed
Easy/Quick can get a large sample - Representative
non random
strengths
Volunteer Sampling
Useful when there is no sampling frame
Good when there is a specific type of person needed - Representative
Easy/Quick can get a large sample - Representative and Generalisability
non random
weaknesses
Purposive Sampling
Not representative – No sampling frame.
Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness
Biased/Subjective – Chosen by the researcher.
non random
weaknesses
Volunteer Sampling
Not representative – No sampling frame.
Sample will be made up of the same type of people - Lowers representativeness
Biased/Subjective – Chosen by the researcher.
